Gene Willis of Fond du Lac sets up his cardboard box home outside the men's shelter at 114 E. Second St. Willis plans to live in the box through Sunday to raise money for the homeless.

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While most residents gathered Thursday to break bread with friends and family for Thanksgiving, Eugene "Gene" Willis was setting up a cardboard box in front of the men's shelter on East Second Street.

With just a layer of corrugated cardboard separating himself from the elements, Willis is committed to raising awareness of the homeless in the Fond du Lac community and gathering donations for the Solutions Center to benefit those in need.

"When I found out about the homeless right here in our own community I was just shocked. It just tears at your heart," said the Fond du Lac man. "There are ...